Crispy and Melty Chocolate-Pear Cake

Description

This Crispy and Melty Chocolate-Pear Cake combines the best of both worlds: a crispy base and topping with a rich, gooey chocolate center paired with the subtle sweetness of pears. It’s an elegant dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g)
• Cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (30g), unsweetened
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g)
• Baking powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1/4 tsp
• Eggs: 3 large
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115g), melted and slightly cooled
• Milk: 1/3 cup (80ml)
• Dark chocolate chips: 1 cup (175g)
• Pears: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

For the Crispy Topping:

• Rolled oats: 1/3 cup (30g)
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
• Butter: 2 tbsp (30g), melted
• Chopped hazelnuts or almonds: 1/4 cup (30g)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, and milk until combined.
3. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Arrange the pear slices on top of the batter, slightly overlapping them in a spiral or pattern of your choice.

4. Prepare the Crispy Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts.
2. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pears.

5. Bake:

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Serve:

• Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

1. Use ripe but firm pears for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
3. Adjust the sweetness: If using very sweet pears, reduce the sugar slightly.

Recommendations

• Pair with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, ~10 slices)

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 22g

Indulge in this luxurious blend of crispy, melty, and fruity flavors with every bite of this chocolate-pear delight!